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Today, already the world is a very different place following the Covid-19 outbreak, and it looks like it will be some time before we get back to a degree of normality.
Over the past six months, since major lockdown restrictions first came into force, the automotive industry has become a very different place to work. Before March this year, a large part of the role of a Glass’s forecast editor involved meeting manufacturers to discuss new products and test-driving new models coming to market. Since the lockdown came into force, this has not been possible physically, so that all parties remain safe and healthy.
However, new models continue to come to market and the team to continue to have discussions with manufacturers virtually instead of physically. The following are two models that have launched recently.
Citroen C4
Over the past few years, PSA has found its design mojo again. Some of their models have been seriously good and the new Citroen C4 appears to be another excellent offering. It bears little resemblance to the previous version, which was a very ordinary hatchback.
The new C4 is a mix of a family hatchback and Crossover SUV. PSA have delivered excellent exterior styling and every time I see it, I find new things that I like about it. The interior is just as impressive with some features that will prove popular with consumers. For instance, PSA has taken the climate controls out of the touch screen and replaced it with simple controls on the lower dash. This shows that PSA continues to respond to customer feedback, which is great to see.
The C4 is available with petrol and diesel drivetrains and as the e-C4 full-electric version. The car uses the same platform as the Peugeot 208/2008 models and gets the same 50kWh battery that offers over 200 miles of range (WLTP). The C4 does not try to be sporty like many rivals; it just offers plenty of comfort and practicality, ideal for young families. It comes in four trim levels, Sense, Sense Plus, Shine and Shine Plus. The e-C4 starts at Sense plus trim.
Prices start at £20,990 for the Sense PureTech petrol 100 S&S 6-speed manual and top out at £34,330 (excluding the government grant) for the top of the range Shine Plus electric vehicle with 50kW battery.
Skoda Enyaq
The Enyaq is the first full-electric car from Skoda. It is an SUV, which Skoda claims, is as spacious as their bigger Kodiaq model.
The Enyaq is a great looking car, and even better, it has a range option of over 300 miles meaning that even I could live with it. Even better yet, the 300-mile range version comes in at a price tag of £38,950 making it even more attractive.
There are two standard versions available, both of which are RWD; the first version named the 60, has a 62kWh battery, a range of 242 miles and around 180bhp. Then there is the 80 version which has an 82kWh battery and around 204bhp with the extended range of 316 miles. The starting price of the 60 is £33,450 and the 80 starts at £38,950. The 60 and the 80 standard vehicles come in three trim levels; Loft is the standard interior trim but you can select the Lounge trim for an additional £1,115 or Suite for £1,285.
The standard equipment is very good even on the cheapest model and the different trims are just design and material differences rather than additional equipment. Standard on the 60 are things such as 13-inch infotainment screen, ambient interior lighting, rear parking sensors, air-con and a multifunction leather steering wheel. The 80 adds navigation to the infotainment system, heated steering wheel, plus front parking sensors and a rear-view camera. There are then a set of packages to offer options such as heated front seats and keyless entry. All models come as standard with the capability to take 50kW charging and you can upgrade the charging system to take 100kW on the 60 and 125kW on the 80.
Designed for practicality and value rather than speed, it has a 0-62mph time of just over 8 seconds and a maximum speed of 99mph. However, the biggest issue will probably be trying to get one, as they will be extremely popular.
